Coco Gauff Makes Coaching Change After Disappointing U.S. Open
09/18/2024 05:49 PM
Coco Gauff entered the summer with aspirations of winning both the US Open and an Olympic gold medal. She would go on to struggle at both events, failing to medal in the Olympics and exiting the US Open in the fourth round.
Following her loss to Emma Navarro, Gauff was eliminated from the event that she won last year to claim her first career major title.
After the loss in New York, Gauff has officially parted ways with her coach.
"Thanks to Coco Gauff and the entire team for an absolutely amazing summer run in 2023 and for 14 months of incredible team effort," said Brad Gilbert on social media Wednesday.
"Coco, at just 20 years young, your future is incredibly bright, and I wish you nothing but continued success ahead. I'm excited for the next chapter in my Coaching career."
Gilbert had been Gauff's coach for the last 14 months, and he was instrumental in her US Open win last year. Gauff won her first Grand Slam by defeating Aryna Sabalenka - this year's winner - in the final.
He also coached her during her doubles victory at this year's Australian Open, winning that event with Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic.
After the US Open, Gauff took time to reflect on the reasons behind her struggles over the last few months.
"I go down on my left side a lot on my serve, and it's something I'm aware of, but it's tough in the moment to, I guess, try not to do it," she said.
"It's sometimes more of an emotional, mental thing, because if I go out on the practice court right now, I would make, like, 30 serves in a row. I've done it before.
"I think it's also just kind of a mental hurdle that I have to get over when it comes. … But I definitely want to look at other things, because I don't want to lose matches like this anymore."
Unforced errors were a major issue for Gauff at the US Open, contributing heavily to her loss to Navarro.
We'll see if Gauff can bounce back with a new coach after a difficult summer of results.
Related: Former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka Announces Drastic Coaching Move
